Discover what good dining in San Antonio can be at these restaurants recommended by our Taste staff. They range from a Texas-styled bistro on the River Walk to what Gourmet magazine calls one of the top fine dining restaurants in the country. Our Tex-Mex is tops, but look for steaks, seafood, new American cuisine and plain old Texas comfort food as well.

Boudro'sThis Texas bistro on the River Walk has held its own over the years as a top tourist attraction that locals like to frequent as well. And why not? It has a primo location on the winding river, with tables outside as well as in. The cavern-like interior, with its rock walls, is a couple of notches above casual, to which the white linens will attest. The food isn't snooty, though, nor are the good servers. Give them their orders, first, to make the restaurant's signature appetizer, a tableside-prepared guacamole. Try the Black and White Soup, too, which is delicious and which you aren't likely to find anyplace else in town. Then, check out some of the Southwest-, or just South-inspired dishes. A blackened prime rib, a fried oyster salad and any of a number of good sandwiches and Mexican food options will serve you well. • 421 E. COMMERCE ST., (210) 224-8484, BOUDROS.COM

Biga on the BanksThough it's not on the River Walk, Bruce Auden's Biga on the Banks has a river view, which makes the sophisticated, contemporary ambience somewhat quiet, yet inviting. That's not to mean it's not exciting. Three-time James Beard Award-nominated chef/owner Bruce Auden almost single-handedly revolutionized the city's dining options back in the '80s, and his food continues to please. There are plenty of American options, whether you're looking for steak, seafood, chicken or pasta, some with Southwestern or Asian touches. Biga is well known for its game dishes, such as its 11-spiced Texas Hill Country Axis venison chops served with grilled quail. The elegant space has a glass wall that overlooks a lush section of the river — but there's much more to remember about Biga than just the view.• 203 S. ST. MARY'S ST., (210) 225-0722, BIGA.COM

Bohanan's Prime Steaks and SeafoodSteak is what's for dinner for many folks in Texas, and Bohanan's is the independent steakhouse you may be looking for. The coolly elegant dining room, located a story above Houston Street, offers a unique perspective of the bustling city below. The extensive wine list offers the best from around the word, especially California, Italy and France, including a couple of first-growth Bordeaux. But the real star is the Japanese Akaushi Steaks, which are raised in Texas and represent the finest in beef today thanks to their superior marbling and velvety texture. Fine also means expensive; these steaks start at $95. Yet Texas Monthly said it worth every cent for "the most ambrosial hunk of beef you've ever tasted."• 219 E. HOUSTON ST., (210) 472-2600, BOHANANS.COM

Chris Madrid's Nachos and BurgersIf you want a real taste of San Antonio, a visit to Chris Madrid's Nachos and Burgers is a must. Founded in 1977, the burger joint has grown and expanded and still there are lines that reach out to the street. In 2006, AOL's City Search named the restaurant's Tostada Burger as No. 2 on its nationwide list of "15 burgers to try before you die." If you want something a little simpler, the Old Fashioned, the Cheddar Cheezy, the Flaming Jalapeño or Macho Nachos are must-orders as well. Owner Chris Madrid's personality is part of the draw, but the burgers — consistently piping hot and perfectly seasoned, served on steaming hot grilled buns — are what draw customers in. And the super-reasonable prices, of course. For those who want more than a burger, there are chalupas and a grilled chicken sandwich. But for our money, it's all about the house specialty Tostada Burger, with Fritos, refried beans and cheese on top of the burger patty.• 1900 BLANCO ROAD, (210) 735-3552, CHRISMADRIDS.COM

Guenther HouseThis venue is a part of San Antonio's history. It began as the home of one of San Antonio's founding families, and is now an attractive destination that includes a museum, restaurant and retail store. Carl Hilmar Guenther founded the Pioneer Flour Mill, which is still in business. He built the house on in 1860 to welcome visitors. Drive through the elegant and historical King William district on your way to breakfast or lunch in this pretty restaurant on a bend of the River Walk. Homemade baked goods are certainly part of the menu, while egg dishes, sandwiches, Champagne Chicken Enchiladas, Pioneer Taco Salad and other items are available as well. Try the gourmet hot chocolate, too.• 205 E. GUENTHER ST., (210) 227-1061, GUENTHERHOUSE.COM

Mi Tierra Café y Panaderia

Who would have thought that a tiny café that catered mostly to early-rising laborers would turn into one of San Antonio's most loved and treasured restaurants? Still a family-run business, the 24-hour restaurant has something for everyone from breakfast plates such as steak and eggs and huevos a la Mexicana to filling lunches and dinners that include an assortment of enchiladas and botana platters. The kids will love the galletas de grajella (oatmeal cookies topped with colorful sprinkles) and the pastel para los ninos (white cake with pink frosting) available at the bakery. As guests enjoy their food, musicians wander the restaurant to provide entertainment for the ears in addition to the taste buds.• 218 PRODUCE ROW, (210) 225-1262, MITIERRACAFE.COM

Rosario'sExpect long waits at this popular, noisy restaurant, one of the city's best in terms of food and ambience. Located in the King William district, Rosario's features an impressive Latino art collection and live music on weekends. The restaurant, a favorite of locals and visitors, has all the Tex-Mex favorites, but the atmosphere is more hip than most local taquerias. Among the can't-miss dishes? Queso flameado, mole, chile relleno, fish tacos and more. All served with one of Rosario's award-winning margaritas, of course. Rosario's signature roasted salsa is also a customer favorite. Owner Lisa Wong also has another restaurant, Ácenar, downtown on the River Walk, with a slightly more refined ambience and food.• ROSARIO'S, 910 S. ALAMO ST., (210) 223-1806, ROSARIOSSA.COM• ÁCENAR, 146 E. HOUSTON ST., (210) 222-2362, ACENAR.COM

Texas Pride BarbecueThis barbecue joint on the eastern curve of Loop 1604 is housed in a recreation of a 1940s Texas country store and serving station. Antique Sinclair signs with a green dinosaur and gas pumps greet the visitor out front. But it's the scene in back of the store that's worth investigating. That's where the Talanco family holds their Friday night fish fries with pollock and shrimp heaped high with fries, hush puppies and coleslaw. Enjoy it or barbecue from inside (the pork tenderloin and chopped brisket are especially worth investigating) with a bucket of longnecks while listening to live music. The kids have their own playground, so you can do the Texas two-step or kick back and relax in some Texas color. Don't forget the peach cobbler. Bike nights are Thursdays, while classic car nights are Sundays.• 2980 E. LOOP 1604 S., ADKINS, (210) 649-3730, TEXASPRIDEBBQ.COM